Jet By Day

Rare are emo-influenced bands that aren’t afraid to throw in big arena-sized riffs and guitar wizardry. Unlike so many of its ilk, Athens quartet Jet By Day has strong chops and the ability to develop a more dynamic sound with elements of prog-rock, alterna-metal, and Nineties hard-rock melodics. This doesn’t make them the most original band — far from it — but they are worthwhile and show potential on their second full-length.

The back-to-back battles of “Dying in the Spotlight” and “Helicopter to the Hospital” present singer-guitarist Dave Matysiak and guitarist Mason Brown’s penchant for creating roller coasters of metallic midsections. With sweeping, sinewy riffs anchored by the low end of bassist Amy Burmeister and drummer Tom Naumann’s pummeling fills, the band strives for epic rock worthy of the Smashing Pumpkins. It’s clear that Nirvana also left a lasting impression on them, notably on “End of the Line,” a change in direction from their thundering approach. The fastest cut on the album, “End of the Line” recalls the intensity and punk speed of Nevermind. And the closing ballad, “Cascadia,” sounds like something from former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters. Only one song, “Stare at the Sun,” seems out of place. Its meager attempt at synth-pop is disappointing when placed next to the feedback-laden space odyssey of “Lost in Translation,” a gem with ethereal, whisperlike backing vocals from Burmeister.